Share Your Christmas: Car accident puts father out of work

Dec. 3, 2013

Written by

News-Leader Staff

Share Your Christmas

Share Your Christmas is the News-Leader's annual campaign, in partnership with Crosslines, to give readers an opportunity to share their holiday spirit with others. Each day from Nov. 28 through Dec. 12, we will highlight families and individuals in need. Families can be adopted by a single donor, or donors can adopt just one family member or donate a single gift. Readers who wish to donate gifts can call Share Your Christmas at 429-7231. Callers should refer to the story number they wish to help, and they will be given specific information such as clothing sizes. Gifts must be delivered to the east side of the Crosslines building at 615 N. Glenstone Ave. by Dec. 16. The hours to deliver gifts are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To make a monetary donation, send a check payable to Crosslines — with Share Your Christmas and the story number, if applicable, in the memo line — to 615 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield MO 65802.

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Today’s vignettes include a family experiencing difficulty after the father was seriously injured in an accident, a family that fled an abusive situation and a care center resident with simple needs.

No. 18: Life changed dramatically for this family when the father was seriously injured in a car accident. During the past four months he has faced multiple surgeries and hours of therapy.

The family agrees they are fortunate that he even survived. The father had worked two full-time jobs, but both require him to walk a great deal. At this time he isn’t able to do that.

With the primary breadwinner unable to work, it has been necessary for the family to use all of their savings to pay routine bills.

The mother works part time, but her wages are not enough to support a family of five.

Although their church has been supportive, the family hesitates to ask for more help as it knows others need help, too.

They do not receive food stamps and were denied temporary disability. The mother said, “Any help would be a blessing and greatly appreciated.”

A bicycle with training wheels and a play tent are the Christmas wishes for the 5-year-old girl.

The 9-year-old big brother put a Lego Chima set and a remote-controlled car as his gift list.

The oldest child, an 11-year-old girl, would like cowgirl boots and a rubber band loom set.

Clothing, bedding, mixing bowls, laundry detergent and paper products would also help this family.

No. 19: Family left life in war zone

When asked her reasons for needing holiday assistance, this mother wrote, “In essence, I walked away from my career and all of our worldly possessions to escape the emotional and physical abuse.

“We lived in a war zone, always walking on eggshells, never knowing what we were walking into when we went home. It has been a long, arduous journey.

“Our family has been in counseling since we entered the Harmony House — learning how to cope and deal with PTSD and transitioning from ‘shelter living’ to nesting in our own home. ...

“We are blessed to have beds and room to walk around. This will be our first Christmas in two years where we can have a tree and start new traditions.”

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The counselors who know this mother said she has participated in all opportunities to create a better situation for her children.

As soon as the children feel safe and are comfortable in their new home, the mother plans to return to work.

She would like for the children to have some toys for Christmas, but said she can’t justify buying anything extra until their basic needs are met.

A Kryptonics skateboard, basketball and art supplies are on the Christmas list of the 12-year-old boy.

His younger brother, age 8, would like a Superman Man of Steel vehicle, Lego set and action figures.

Their 7-year-old sister wants a My Life doll with accessories and a jewelry-making kit.

Jeans, shirts and underwear are needed for all three children.

The mother listed silverware and cooking utensils as items that are needed in their new home. Laundry detergent, bath soap and paper products are always welcome.

No. 20: Woman has manger memories

Growing up in rural Missouri has provided this woman with many happy memories.

She recalls that when she was little, her parents would take her to the barn and place her in the manger where she was safe and could pet the cows while they did the milking.

As an adult, she has worked as a school crossing guard, tutored teens for the GED and was employed at the Veterans Affairs office.